Safety Harbor officials urging caution in advance of Hurricane Irma

A line of cars snaked halfway down Main Street as motorists waited to gas up at the Chevron station in Downtown Safety Harbor in advance of Hurricane Irma on Wednesday, Sept 6, 2017.

As powerful Hurricane Irma, a Category 5 storm packing sustained winds up to 185 miles per hour, barrels its way towards the state of Florida, Bay area residents are scrambling to prepare for the worst as experts attempt to predict the path of the storm.

While some of the latest tracking models show Irma taking an easterly path after turning northward over the weekend, many locals have frantically been rushing to stock up on sandbags, gas, water and other supplies despite there being no state of emergency declared in Pinellas County yet.

Safety Harbor residents load up on free sand in advance of Hurricane Irma on Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2017 (Credit: City of Safety Harbor/Facebook)

On Wednesday morning, a line of cars snaked halfway down Main Street as motorists waited to gas up at the Chevron station in downtown Safety Harbor.

But despite the elevated levels of panic, City officials are urging residents to remain cautious while being prepared.

“You should be prepared at home with a Hurricane kit, a plan of action and some sanity,”City Manager Matt Spoor advised residents in an email.

This Weather.com screenshot shows the latest tracking forecast for Hurricane Irma, which is currently classified as a Category 5 storm with sustained winds measured at 185 mph, according to site.

While regular City services will be in operation on Thursday, September 7, the City’s annual 9/11 ceremony set for Monday, Sept. 11 at 9:00 a.m. has been cancelled.

“The fire department and leisure services department are working on more pressing issues at the moment,” Spoor said.

A look at the evacuation zones for Safety Harbor. Know your zone by visiting the Pinellas County Emergency Management Services website.

In addition, the Community Center, Library, Museum, and Rigsby Center will all be closed on Saturday and Sunday, and the Parks and Rec advisory board meeting scheduled for this evening has been canceled.

As of today, the City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, Sept. 11 at 7:00 p.m. is still on as planned.

As officials work to monitor the storm, Spoor said residents should be ready to act when and if the time comes.

“The City continues to work closely with the Pinellas County Emergency Operations Team to monitor Hurricane Irma,” he said.

UPDATE, WED. 4:30PM: Spoor said based on the latest advisory they will be closing all non-essential city facilities—Library, Recreation Centers, Museum, City Hall, etc., on Friday (9/8), Saturday (9/9) and Sunday (9/10). He said a decision on potential Monday closures and cancellations (9/11) would be made tomorrow (Thursday 9/7) at the earliest.

Thank you for the update! Marker 39 will be closing tonight (Wednesday) and reopening for dinner service Thursday through Saturday and brunch service on Sunday (weather permitting). We are continually monitoring the storm track and are prepared to take every precaution.

Until then, we are here to serve the community.

If you need ice for your hurricane bunker, bring your cooler today before 6 and we will fill it up free of charge while supplies last. We love you Safety Harbor! Prepare don’t panic. Help your neighbors. Be safe.